Teen Drunk Driving

We all know that underage drinking is a big problem. Alcohol is more accessible to our youth now more than ever. Parents can help teens avoid the feeling of peer pressure or the need to drink by being approachable, staying involved in your teens school and life in general and by setting clear standards (possibly a parent contract to clarify expectations). Still, there will be times when teens just do irresponsible things and spread their wings to experience something. This cannot always be controlled. However the consequences that come with it can send a clear message to teens that things like drunk driving are purely unacceptable and that it is NEVER taken lightly.

• Automobile accidents are the what make up most of the deaths of teens between 15 and 20.
• In 2005, of the teens in auto accidents that were alcohol related, 64% were not restrained by their seat belt. This tells us that teens are less likely to buckle up when intoxicated. Of the fatalities in these cases, 74% were unbuckled.
• The National Highway Safety Administration claims that about 25,000 lives have been saved since 1975 because of the minimum drinking age laws.
• In a study done in 2005, about 28% of high school students claimed that they had ridden in a car that had an intoxicated driver within the past 30 days.

The statistics speak for themselves. Drinking and alcohol are never a good idea. Mix it with teens and it is a recipe for death. You may consider using a parent contract with your teen to cover forbidden substances as well as driving privileges.